Alexander sauntered into the ballroom, aware of the whispers and odd glances as those who were absent from Lord Melbury’s soiree were informed of the latest gossip.
He had decided not to attend. The workings of his rational mind knew there was no hope of a union with Evelyn Bromwell. No lady would choose to live with a monster. A lady wanted marriage, children, and picnics in the park under the midday sun. She did not want to roam about in the darkness like an empty soul lost to the night. The curse thrust upon him would plague him for all eternity. And he would never be free to indulge in his passion for Evelyn Bromwell.
Yet still he’d come.
He could not deny the burning in his chest when she entered his thoughts. He could not stop his body responding from the mere sound of her voice. The raging passion that writhed inside him could not be tempered. For his own sanity, he had no choice but to follow his heart.
What did he have to lose?
“Hale. Over here.”
Alexander glanced around the outskirts of the packed ballroom. Elliot Markham was propped up against the wall, his arms folded across his chest as he raised his chin to beckon Alexander over.
“On your own tonight?” Alexander asked. “Or is Devlin busy taking advantage of a married lady’s generosity?”
“No. The idiot is dancing.” With his mouth forming a scowl, Elliot nodded to the dance floor. “Look at him, prancing about like the fool of the fair. Next, he’ll be waving bright ribbons and handing out trinkets.”
The corners of Alexander’s mouth twitched in amusement. “Why should that be a problem?”
“He is dancing with Cassandra Reed,” Elliot sighed, “Lady Westbury’s virgin niece. As soon as he saw her, his eyes swelled to the size of billiard balls. I’m surprised they’re not mopping up the floor from his excessive salivating.”
“I have some sympathy. Drooling is something I’m learning to live with.”
Elliot straightened. “Ah, you refer to the delightful Miss Bromwell. Am I the only brother who feels nauseous at the thought of bedding a virgin?”
“Judging by the lecherous smile on Devlin’s face, I’d say yes.”
Elliot stepped closer and whispered, “I swear, if he drinks from her I’ll rip his throat right out.”
Alexander jerked his head, surprised at Elliot’s volatile reaction. Although it felt good to talk so openly about something he’d considered so despicable. It almost made him feel human.
“You believe he would?”
“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been left to clean up his mess.”
Alexander inhaled sharply. “Devlin’s killed someone?”
“No,” Elliot replied shaking his head. “Of course not. But let’s just say he likes the taste of virgin blood. He said it tastes clean, untainted, like drinking water from a mountain stream as opposed to the sludge found in the Thames. I think it’s all in his head. He’s convinced himself it’s the blood, but I believe he still dreams of his youth, of frolicking with debutantes in the hope of finding true love.”
Alexander’s thoughts flashed to Miss Bromwell, and he scoured the sea of heads in the hope of spotting her. Strangely, he had no desire to drink from her. What he felt for her went beyond the need for personal gratification.
“Your Miss Bromwell is taking a turn about the garden with her companions,” Elliot said with a smirk. “I assume that’s who you’re looking for.”
Alexander glanced at the terrace doors. “Is it so obvious?”
Elliot patted him on the back. “You forget, I can feel the passion emanating from you. You feel deeply for her, that much is obvious.”
“Regardless of my feelings, the situation is hopeless,” Alexander replied with a frustrated sigh.
“Which is why I chose an uncomplicated life, a life without any emotional attachment. It is unrealistic to hope that any woman would accept us for what we are.”
While he acknowledged the logic in Elliot’s words, his heart fought desperately against the possibility that Evelyn would turn away from him if she knew. “I used to believe that. To an extent, I still do. But I’ve come here tonight in the hope I’m wrong.”
“Then I wish you luck, my friend, as you’re going to need a barrow full of it.” Elliot nodded beyond Alexander’s shoulder. “Here comes your lady now.”
Alexander turned to see Charlotte Sutherby hurry through the terrace doors into the ballroom. He held his breath while he waited for a glimpse of Evelyn’s wide eyes and pretty pout, his heart beating erratically as excitement thrummed through his veins.
But Miss Sutherby was alone.